Speed trailer is watching

The Canyon Police Department built a speed monitor trailer that is equipped with radar. Canyon Police Chief Bobby Griffin said the speed monitor serves as a warning to speed-limit violators.

"The sign flashes the drivers' speed and the posted speed limit," Griffin said. "Usually, that slows them down."

Griffin said he and Assistant City Manager Courtney Sharp "brainstormed" about the speeding problem before deciding on the trailer.

A speed monitor trailer usually costs about $8,500 if purchased through a dealership. Instead, the city had a 5 feet by 8 feet trailer built at Transportation Sales & Rentals in Amarillo for $638. The radar components cost $3,025.

"We built the speed monitor trailer for $3,663 - a savings of almost $4,800," Sharp said.

The trailer will be placed on various city streets to help slow down traffic near West Texas A&M University, schools and around city parks, Griffin said.

"We often get citizen complaints about speeding," Griffin said. "This will help remind people to slow down."

The speed complaints usually are in residential neighborhoods, Griffin said.

He said the speed monitor addresses complaints without having to use a police officer, but police officers will be assigned to monitor traffic in some areas where the speed monitor is used.